Â
Don’t let the stroller slow you down! Our friends at AllTrails sent us their 10 favorite hikes in Phoenix that are perfect for strollers and we know you are going to love them. Most of these hikes are paved so they double as bike-friendly trails for little ones just learning to ride a two-wheeler. Which one will be your new favorite?
1. Water Ranch Trail
Water Ranch Trail is a heavily trafficked loop trail located near Higley, Arizona that features a lake and is good for all skill levels. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from September until May. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash.
The Riparian Preserve is an urban park with a series of loop trails surrounding seven ponds stocked with fish and birds. Several species of birds and waterfowl live in the preserve. The park has several amenities.
Distance: 1.9 miles
Difficulty: Easy
2. Arizona Canal Trail
Arizona Canal Trail is a heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Phoenix, Arizona that features a waterfall and is good for all skill levels. The trail is primarily used for walking, running, and bird watching and is accessible year-round. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash.
The Arizona Canal Trail is an easy, partially paved walk that starts at the historic Arizona Falls generating station and continues to the Scottsdale Waterfront, which is Scottsdale's version of the San Antonio Riverwalk, featuring public art, bridges, and shopping and dining. In between, the trail parallels Indian School Road.
Distance: 3.6 miles
Difficulty: Easy
3. Papago Park to Papago Golf Course Loop
Papago Park to Papago Golf Course Loop is a 2.7 mile moderately trafficked loop trail located near Tempe, Arizona that offers scenic views and is good for all skill levels. The trail is primarily used for walking, running, road biking, and mountain biking and is accessible year-round. This is an easy paved path perfect for families and those looking for a leisurely bike ride.
Distance: 2.7 miles
Difficulty: Easy
4. Tolleson Wetlands Loop
Tolleson Wetlands Loop is a moderately trafficked loop trail located near Cashion, Arizona that features a lake and is good for all skill levels. The trail offers a number of activity options and is accessible year-round. Dogs and horses are also able to use this trail.
This family-friendly loop is a popular destination for bird watching and wildlife sightings. The trail is dirt but flat enough so it is accessible for bikes and those with strollers or mobility equipment.
Distance: 5.4 miles
Difficulty: Easy
5. Tempe Town Lake Trail
Tempe Town Lake Trail is a heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Tempe, Arizona that features a lake and is good for all skill levels. The trail is primarily used for walking, running, road biking, and canoeing and is accessible year-round. Dogs are also able to use this trail.
Distance: 7.4 miles
Difficulty: Easy
6. Desert Botanical Garden Loop
Desert Botanical Garden Loop is a moderately trafficked loop trail located near Tempe, Arizona that features beautiful wild flowers and is good for all skill levels. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, and nature trips.
As of October 2020, advance ticket reservations are required. There is an entrance fee for this park. Please visit this link for more information.
Distance: 2.1 miles
Difficulty: Easy
7. Salt River Shore and Rio Salado Pathway
Salt River Shore and Rio Salado Pathway is a moderately trafficked out and back trail located near Phoenix, Arizona that features a river and is good for all skill levels. The trail is primarily used for walking, running, bird watching, and road biking and is accessible year-round. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash.
This is a long pathway with numerous access points for visitors to walk, bike or run. There are some short dirt sections of the path.
Distance: 19 miles
Difficulty: Easy
8. Kiwanis Park Lakefront Trail
Kiwanis Park Lakefront Trail is a moderately trafficked loop trail located near Tempe, Arizona that features a lake and is good for all skill levels. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from September until May. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash.
A nice casual paved walk with a beautiful pond. As of October 2020, the boats are closed, but fishing is open. The big playground, community picnic area, and splash pad are also closed. Bathrooms and drinking fountains are open.
Distance: 0.8 miles
Difficulty: Easy
9. Peoria New River Trail
Peoria New River Trail is a moderately trafficked loop trail located near Sun City, Arizona that features a river and is good for all skill levels. The trail is primarily used for walking, running, bird watching, and road biking and is accessible year-round. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash.
The trail is well maintained and offers a variety of routes on concrete and blacktop. Plenty of designated rest areas, but bring your own water. Easy to access and plenty of parking.
Distance: 16.8 miles
Difficulty: Easy
10. Merkle Trail
Merkle Trail is a heavily trafficked loop trail located near Mesa, Arizona that features beautiful wild flowers and is good for all skill levels. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from October until April. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash.
Distance: 1 mile
Difficulty: Easy
Featured photo: iStock
Need some fresh ideas?
Related reads
